Wheeler, White Deer battle for 1-1A title

At different points, the Bucks (6-2, 3-0) and the Mustangs (4-4, 3-0) have been written off for dead. But tonight White Deer travels to Wheeler for a game that will determine the District 1-1A championship. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Nicholson Field.

At the start of the 2000 season, White Deer was coming off consecutive losing seasons in Class 2A, including 2-8 in 1999. The Bucks began the year counted among the also-rans as it looked like a long season for the Bucks. However, White Deer has run the table in 1-1A and stands just one win away from clinching a playoff berth and a possible district title.

"We're trying not to talk about it and harp on it with the kids," White Deer coach Ruben Guerrero said. "It's a big game, probably the biggest game that we've had here for a long time. But we want to treat it like just another game."

Wheeler, on the other hand, started the year ranked 10th in the state and promptly lost four of its first five games, including some by lopsided margins. However, once district play started, the Mustangs accelerated to a full gallop, also running the table in 1-1A and are ready to play for the league title.

"We've finally had some things start jelling for us," Wheeler coach Jim Verden said. "We're playing our third quarterback and when you're in an option offense and you're using your third-string quarterback, it takes a while for the timing to get right."

Both teams will start a wealth of youth. White Deer starts seven juniors and sophomores on both sides of the ball. Wheeler numbers just five seniors, all of whom start, on the roster. The Mustangs also start five sophomores and freshmen.

"They (White Deer) have a lot of youth, but they got their experience last year when they kind of threw them to the wolves. It wasn't a pleasant year for them last year, but it's paying off for them now," Verden said. "I'm sure they tried to build on their experience last year just like we're trying to build on ours this year."

White Deer uses a multiple attack centered around halfback Aaron McKean. A 175-pound junior, McKean has run for 700 yards and four touchdowns. The Bucks have some experience in the offensive line. Four of the Bucks' seniors play a lot on the offensive line - Shawn Line, James Pesch, Thomas Harris and Ricky Davis. The Bucks might even have a size advantage with the 250-pound Harris and 280-pound Davis at tackle.

"Our line is pretty big and they fire off the ball well," Guerrero said. "We've got a lot of experience up there and that helps."

Wheeler's offensive backfield has been a revolving door much of the year. The Mustangs have used three quarterbacks. Senior Justin Chapman took over in the third game of the year and has settled into the starter's role. The Mustangs have also used four different running backs to partner with all-state candidate Caleb Finsterwald.

Finsterwald, like McKean for White Deer, is the focus of the attack. Finsterwald is a three-year starter at running back and has topped 1,000 yards each of his first two seasons. This year Finsterwald has gained 941 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.

"They're both quality kids and they're both the go-to guy for each of their offenses," Verden said. "McKean has more speed, maybe not as much as Aaron Weller from Gruver, but he has a lot of speed and if he get's into the secondary, we're not going to catch him. We have to control the big play because we've given up a lot of them this year."